The CBC Marketplace investigation
In February 2017, a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's 'Marketplace' program generated significant attention regarding the composition of chicken served at several fast-food chains in Canada. Specifically, DNA testing conducted by a lab at Trent University suggested that Subway's chicken products contained notably lower percentages of chicken DNA compared to some competitors. The oven-roasted chicken was reported to contain 53.6% chicken DNA, and the chicken strips only 42.8%, with soy being the primary other ingredient detected.
Subway's swift and strong rebuttal
Subway quickly and forcefully disputed the 'Marketplace' findings. The company's leadership stated that the claim of their chicken being only 50% chicken was entirely incorrect. To counter the report, Subway commissioned independent laboratories in both the U.S. and Canada to perform their own tests. Subway's test results indicated that soy protein content was less than 1% in their chicken products, consistent with its use in marinades and seasonings. Subway maintained that their chicken is made from 100% white meat chicken with added spices, seasoning, and marinade. They also raised questions about the validity of the CBC's testing methods.
The fallout and legal battles
The controversy led to legal challenges. In Quebec, Canada, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Subway alleging misrepresentation, which was permitted to proceed to trial in late 2020. Subway, in turn, filed a $210 million defamation lawsuit against the CBC. However, an Ontario court dismissed Subway's lawsuit in 2019, ruling that the CBC's report was in the public interest and protected under anti-SLAPP legislation.
What is in fast-food chicken?
It's important to understand that processed chicken products in fast food often contain more than just chicken meat. While raw chicken is 100% chicken DNA, fast-food preparation often involves adding ingredients to improve taste, moisture, and texture.
Common additives include:
- Water for moisture.
- Spices and seasonings for flavor.
- Binding agents like soy protein or modified potato starch.
- Marinades, which can contain ingredients like sodium phosphates.
Comparison of Subway and competitor chicken ingredients
To provide context for Subway's chicken, here's a comparison based on information available around the time of the 2017 report. Ingredient lists can vary by region and may change over time.
| Feature | Subway's Chicken Strips | Wendy's Grilled Chicken | McDonald's Grilled Chicken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stated Meat | Boneless, skinless, chicken breasts | Whole muscle chicken breast fillet | 100% seasoned chicken breast |
| DNA Report (CBC) | 42.8% chicken DNA | 88.5% chicken DNA | 84.9% chicken DNA |
| Key Non-Meat Additive | Soy protein concentrate | Marinade and herbs | Seasoning and other ingredients |
| Texture | Restructured, bound together | Whole fillet | Single piece, trimmed for size |
The verdict: Why the different test results?
The discrepancy in results between the Trent University DNA tests and Subway's commissioned lab tests likely stems from differences in testing methods. Some food scientists have argued that DNA testing isn't the most accurate way to determine the overall meat content of a processed food product. Factors like cooking methods and sampling can influence DNA results. Subway's labs likely used compositional analysis by weight, a standard industry practice, which indicated very low levels of soy. The general conclusion is that while the 'Marketplace' report highlighted the presence of fillers in fast-food chicken, the DNA testing method likely exaggerated the amount of soy.
Conclusion: Navigating the fast-food landscape
The 2017 Subway chicken controversy brought attention to food labeling and consumer understanding of processed foods. While Subway's chicken is a restructured product with added ingredients, it was not found to be 50% soy. This event serves as a reminder that fast-food products often contain more than just the primary meat ingredient. Transparent labeling and understanding ingredient lists are important for consumers.
This incident highlights the complexities of food processing and the importance of clear ingredient information. Consumers looking for less processed options should be aware that fast food often includes various additives. For detailed information on Subway's ingredients, their official nutrition page is available.
The question "Is SUBWAY chicken all chicken?" is nuanced. It depends on whether one defines 'all chicken' as unprocessed meat or a finished product with additives. Subway officially states their chicken is 100% white meat with added ingredients, a claim supported by their subsequent testing.
Visit Subway's official page for more details on their chicken ingredients
